Closings

Severe Weather

'Star Wars' stars: Where are they now?

In 1977, a sci-fi action adventure named "Star Wars" was released. Not only did it go on to become one of the biggest blockbusters in history and win six Oscars, it spawned the careers of many of its stars. So what are the stars of the original trilogy up to today?

Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) continues to be of the biggest voiceover stars in the animation industry, most recently lending his vocal skills to shows like "Adventure Time," "Regular Show" and "Dragons: Riders of Berk." His other animation voice credits also include "Metapocalypse," "Batman" (as The Joker), "Avatar: The Last Airbender," "Justice League," "Spider-Man," "The Incredible Hulk" and "Superman." He also frequently does voice roles for video games and created "The Black Pearl" graphic novel. He's also had recent on-screen cameos in the TV series "Criminal Minds" and "The Neighbors" and will be reprising the role of Luke Skywalker for the first sequel to the original trilogy, "Star Wars: Episode VII," slated for a Dec. 18, 2015, release.

Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia) starred in the TV documentary "Wishful Drinking," based on her best-selling memoir. Fisher also voices a recurring role for the animated sitcom "Family Guy" and voiced Leia for the animated spoof "Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode II." She recently had a cameo on the sitcom "The Big Bang Theory" and will be reprising the role of Leia for "Star Wars: Episode VII."

Harrison Ford (Han Solo) has been busy as of late, appearing in the sci-fi action movie "Ender's Game," the thriller "Paranoia," the Jackie Robinson biopic "42" and the comedy "Anchorman 2" in 2013 alone. In recent years, Ford has also starred in the western and sci-fi mashup "Cowboys & Aliens," the romantic comedy "Morning Glory" and reprised his iconic role of Indiana Jones in 2008's "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull," the fourth film in the series. He will next be seen in "The Expendables 3" and will also be reprising the role of Han Solo for "Star Wars: Episode VII."

George Lucas (writer-director) currently executive produces the animated series "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" and wrote and produced the Tuskegee airman war film "Red Tails." He last wrote and produced "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull," and before that, wrote and directed the "Star Wars" prequel trilogy. He also made big news in October 2012 when he sold LucasFilm Ltd. to The Walt Disney Company.

David Prowse (Darth Vader) most recently starred in the 2010 British drama "The Kindness of Strangers." Prowse frequently appears at "Star Wars" and sci-fi conventions worldwide, including this June 2013 one in Cologne, Germany.

James Earl Jones (voice of Darth Vader) most recently appeared in the 2013 indie drama "Gimme Shelter" and made a guest-star appearance on the sitcom "The Big Bang Theory." Apart from the original trilogy, Jones reprised the role of Darth Vader for the third "Star Wars" prequel, "Revenge of the Sith," in 2005. He was also honored with the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award in 2009.

Anthony Daniels (C-3PO) provided the voice for the droid character in the animated series "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" from 2008 through 2011 and in 2014's "The Lego Movie." In addition to the second and third installments of the original trilogy, Daniels donned the suit, and provided the voice of, C-3PO, in the "Star Wars" prequel trilogy, which he will also be doing for "Star Wars: Episode VII." He's also a frequent guest at "Star Wars" events worldwide.

Kenny Baker (R2-D2) most recently guest-stared in the British television series "Casualty" and will next be seen in the horror movie "When the Devil Rides Out," set for release in 2014. In addition to being at the controls inside R2-D2 in the original "Star Wars" trilogy, he was brought back to play the character again for the "Star Wars" prequel trilogy, which he will again be doing for 2015's "Star Wars: Episode VII." Baker frequently appears at "Star Wars" conventions worldwide.

Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca) appears yearly at Walt Disney World's "Star Wars Weekends" event and frequents fan conventions worldwide. After the original "Star Wars" trilogy, Mayhew was brought back to play Chewbacca for the "Star Wars" prequel, "Revenge of the Sith," in 2005. He will also be donning the Chewbacca suit again for "Star Wars: Episode VII."

Frank Oz (voice of Yoda, "The Empire Strikes Back," "Return of the Jedi") is best known for his voice work, but has also directed movies such as "Little Shop of Horrors," "What About Bob?," "In & Out," "Bowfinger" and "Death at a Funeral." The longtime Muppet star also voiced characters on "Sesame Street" from 1969 to 2013. Oz also reprised the voice of Yoda for all three films in the "Star Wars" prequel trilogy as well as a 2015 episode of the animated series "Star Wars Rebels" and directed an episode of the TV show "Leverage" in 2011.

Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian, "The Empire Strikes Back," "Return of the Jedi") has most recently had guest roles on "Glee," "Modern Family," "NCIS" and "White Collar." He also provided the voice of Lando for 2014's "The Lego Movie" and in a 2015 episode of "Star Wars Rebels."

Ian McDiarmid (Emperor Palpatine, "The Empire Strikes Back," "Return of the Jedi") recently had a role in the British TV series "Utopia" and appeared in the 2014 BBC miniseries "37 Days." McDiarmid reprised his role of Palpatine for the "Star Wars" prequel trilogy.

John Williams (composer) most recently composed the scores for 2013's "The Book Thief" and director Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln," "The Adventures of Tintin" and "War Horse." Williams remains as one of the most prolific composers in film history, winning five Oscars out of 49 nominations, including a Best Original Score statuette for the first "Star Wars" film. He will be scoring "Star Wars: Episode VII" and planned fifth installment in the "Indiana Jones" franchise.

Warwick Davis (Wicket the Ewok, "Return of the Jedi") played Flitwick and Griphook in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows -- Part 2." Davis, who had a cameo role in the first "Star Wars" prequel, "The Phantom Menace," also starred as a fictionalized version of himself in the short-lived 2011 HBO series "Life's Too Short." He's recently had a cameo in a 2013 episode of "Doctor Who" and had a supporting role in the fantasy-adventure film "Jack the Giant Slayer."

Peter Cushing (Grand Moff Tarkin) died in 1994 at the age of 81.

Alec Guiness (Obi-Wan Kenobi) died in 2000 at 86.

The cast of "Star Wars" has frequently reunited over the years. Here, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford speak onstage during the 33rd AFI Life Achievement Award tribute to George Lucas at the Kodak Theatre on June 9, 2005, in Hollywood, California.

Comments

The views expressed are not those of this site, this station or its affiliated companies. By posting your comments you agree to accept our terms of use.